This case study describes how a financial services firm implemented an enterprise-wide Learning Content Management System (LCMS). The content system now supports 80 content contributors across the organization. When fully rolled out, the system is expected to support up to 800 content contributors.

The case study describes the key requirements, solutions considered, and the implementation process. Key lessons learned are included to help other organizations solve similar challenges.

Over the last year we have been studying the market for Learning Content Management systems in detail. Next week we will release our breakthrough study on this fast-growing market, “Learning Content Management Systems: What Works®.” Targeted to training executives, content developers, and program managers, the 130-page report offers a comprehensive look at the adoption of learning content management systems (LCMSs), the differences between LCMS suites and stand-alone solutions, vendor offerings, implementation considerations, and costs and benefits of implementation. Bottom line: the market for LCMS systems is now growing rapidly and these solutions can deliver tremendous customer value.

The study profiles 11 vendors of LCMS solutions: EEDO, GeoLearning, Intelladon, Learn.com, Knowledge Management Systems, Outstart, QMind, Saba, Sumtotal, VuePoint, and WBT Systems. Market maps compare vendors’ feature sets and application strengths to help buyers identify the right solution for their needs. The report also includes case studies detailing implementation and usage of content management systems.

A special report included with this study is our report "Content Integration in Enterprise E-Learning: Challenges, Costs, and Solutions." This 25 page report details best practices and issues in content integration, another growing part of todays enterprise e-learning strategy.

The LMS market continues to grow and evolve in important ways. These two announcements are significant for several reasons.

First, Saba's acquisition of Centra is a clear strategy to build a larger company with a more complete, end- to-end offering. By providing an integrated blended learning and knowledge management solution, Saba hopes to raise the bar even further and establish the LMS as an even more important platform in enterprise learning.

The company has also hired several new executives from Peoplesoft who we believe will help Saba increase its momentum in their strategy to provide an alternative to the SAP and Oracle human capital platform. Read our preliminary analysis of the Saba-Centra acquisition.

SumTotal's announcement of an excellent Q3 and the company's first profitable quarter ever indicate that LMS buyers are becoming more and more confident that LMS investments are sound. SumTotal's intention to bring in a new CEO shows the company's goal to evolve and grow into an even more significant player in the market for enterprise learning platforms.

There's still time to sign up for our final workshop scheduled for November 10 in New York. This workshop, led by Josh Bersin and Leighanne DeMarzo, will provide you with an assessment of your learning organization and an action plan for creating a highly efficient and highly effective training organization.

The workshop is built around our High Impact Learning Organization research. Each attendee will participate in a customized Learning Organization Assessment, a benchmarking program that scores your learning organization in 12 key areas. At the event you will receive a Learning Organization Scorecard and learn about the 12 best practice areas. You will then work in small groups with your peers and our analysts to build an action plan tailored to your organization.

Key areas covered include:

• Governance and Leadership
• LMS Administration and Standards
• E-Learning Content Development
• Measurement
• Performance Consulting
• Resource Allocation

All attendees will receive a free copy of the High Impact Learning Organization research report (a $1495 value). You will also gain access to a special workshop community website to interact with your peers and read other best practice research.

Our final workshop date is as follows:

• November 10 - New York City

Our October 25 webinar is "Better, Faster, Cheaper Learning Content: Benchmarks and Best Practices in Development and Management." When it comes to learning, content is still King. But only when it is accessible and relevant to the people trying to develop their capabilities. This webcast will discuss current practices in management of the learning content lifecycle – from design and development to delivery and updating.

This free webcast is sponsored by WBT Systems and is presented by Chris Howard, Principal Analyst at Bersin & Associates, and Michael Sorrow from Greene Consulting.

• "Better, Faster, Cheaper Learning Content: Benchmarks and Best Practices in Development and Management"
• October 25, 2005
• 11:30am Eastern/8:30am Pacific
• SIGN UP NOW

Our November 1 webinar is "LCMS 2006: What Works." This presentation will summarize the findings of Bersin & Associates' comprehensive research report on Learning Content Management Systems. This webinar will provide guidance on when to use an LCMS, the role of e-learning suites, and the challenges involved in implementation.

This free webcast is presented by Chris Howard, Principal Analyst at Bersin & Associates.

• "LCMS 2006: What Works"
• November 1, 2005
• 2:00pm Eastern/11:00am Pacific
• SIGN UP NOW

Our November 3 webinar is "The New Learning Landscape: Death of the Corporate University." This presentation will highlight Bersin & Associates' 2005 review of the enterprise learning market and how corporate learning organizations are changing. In particular it will describe the transition taking place from the Corporate University to Learning Services.

This free webcast is presented by Josh Bersin, Principal and Founder, Bersin & Associates.

• "The New Learning Landscape: Death of the Corporate University"
• November 3, 2005
• 2:00pm Eastern/11:00am Pacific
• SIGN UP NOW